How to Write a Counter Offer

Carefully research and write a counter offer to a prospective employer

You've just been offered a job, but the offer is not exactly what you had anticipated. Consider writing a counter offer. Be respectful and express that you are looking forward to joining the company. Emphasize that it will be a mutually beneficial opportunity. Make a few modest counter offers within the body of the letter. Use a conversational tone and raise questions, rather than making demands. Request reasonable yet slightly higher counter offers on salary, benefits or both. If your counter is countered, at least you will be in a more acceptable range.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Word-processing program
• Stationery

Instructions

1. Research your prospective employer in regard to the local market, demographics, industry and the overall economic outlook to determine a fair market value for the position you would be taking. Most community organizations, such as the chamber of commerce, can provide a substantial amount of employment information to assist your research. Take into consideration the value of the benefits package that your prospective employer is offering, as well as the salary.

2. Compose a counter offer letter. Treat the letter as you would a resume or job application. Use a quality stationery, and proofread the letter carefully prior to sending it out.

3. Write the the introduction. State that you are interested in the position. Explain why your employment with the company would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Discuss your strengths, and emphasize your enthusiasm for the company.

4. Write a paragraph to outline the points of the job offer that you find agreeable. Start off with the areas of agreement. Explain in the final sentence of the paragraph that although you agree on these points, you have some reservations about other points and would like to request adjustments in a few areas.

5. Outline your requests and any questions that may be raised in a separate paragraph for each point. Make requests within a reasonable margin, but slightly higher than your goal. Keep your tone friendly and non-confrontational. Leave room for negotiation in all of your requests.

6. Write a concluding paragraph that again expresses that you look forward to working with the company. Explain that with these small changes to the offer, you would be a benefit to the company. Emphasize the strengths that you possess and explain how you would be able to grow with the company.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a conversational tone to the letter.

• Never make demands or unreasonable requests.

References

• Quint Careers: Job Offer Too Low? Use These Key Salary Negotiation Techniques to Write a Counter Proposal Letter
• Job Bank USA: Presenting a Counter Offer

Resources

• CV Tips: How to Respond to a Job Offer Letter with a Counter Offer